About this item
In our lifetimes 85 percent of us will have some up-close experience with the suicide of someone we know. And more than 20 percent of us will have a family member die by suicide. Journalist Eric Marcus knows this better than most people. In 1970, his father took his life at the age of 44. In 2008, his 49-year-old sister-in-law took her life as well. In a completely revised and updated edition of the landmark original WHY SUICIDE, Eric Marcus offers thoughtful answers to scores of questions about this complex, painful issue from how to recognize the signs of someone who is suicidal to strategies for coping in the aftermath of a loved ones death. No matter what the circumstances, those of us who are affected by suicide are left with difficult and disturbing questions Why did they do it Was it my fault What should I tell people when they ask what happened Is someone who attempts suicide likely to try again What should I do if Im thinking of killing myself Drawing from his own experience, as well as interviews with people who have been touched by suicide, Eric Marcus cuts through the veil of silence and misunderstanding to bring clarity, reassurance, and comfort to those who so desperately need it.
About the Author
Eric Marcus is a communications expert who has been communicating with the broad public and specific niche audiences for three decades. ?His work has ranged from writing consumer-oriented books and developing promotional and informational materials for non-profit and commercial enterprises to production jobs for both documentaries and television network news. Eric's ten books include Why Suicide?, What If Someone I Know Is Gay?, and Breaking the Surface, the #1 New York Times best-selling autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. ? In addition, Eric has written articles and columns for the New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, Newsweek, and the New Jersey Star-Ledger. His many clients have included Waldenbooks, PBS "American Experience," and Sanky Communications (for which he has worked on development materials for Planned Parenthood NYC, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and MOMA, among others) .? Most recently, Eric has worked with the family of the late Sir James Goldsmith to create detailed illustrated guides for their two nature reserves and luxury resorts that convey to guests, potential guests, and travel industry experts the essential qualities and features of these remarkable places. Eric is a former associate producer for ABC's "Good Morning America" and "CBS This Morning. " ?For a recent PBS "American Experience" documentary about the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York's Greenwich Village, Eric wore several hats, including advisor, associate producer, still photographer, and author of the film's online teaching guide. In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, Eric also has extensive experience on the other side of the microphone and camera as a spokesman on a range of issues related to his books. ? He is also a seasoned moderator and conversation facilitator, and in that capacity has worked in both public and private forums for clients ranging from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association to Unilever and the University of South Dakota. Eric Marcus is a graduate of New York City public schools, after which he attended Vassar College and earned master's degrees from Columbia University in both journalism and real estate development.
